PE Teacher Prep Programs in Illinois

Before someone can start teaching physical education they will need to earn a minimum of a bachelor's degree, though a master's degree may also be beneficial. They will most likely need to complete student teaching prior to graduation as well.

How Does Someone Become a PE Teacher in Illinois?

Becoming a physical education teacher in Illinois requires the correct steps, including first earning a bachelor's degree in physical education. After completing an accredited program, candidates will be required to take a specialization content exam and edTPA test to obtain their Illinois PE teacher license. PE teachers will most often select the Special K-12 endorsement. Then, they will need to register their license in the state.

What Should I Know About Bachelor's Degree Programs for PE Teachers in Illinois?

Those who choose to enter into a bachelor's degree program in physical education need to complete a teacher preparation program that includes a student teaching experience. This program can require students to complete anywhere from 80 to 128 credit hours of coursework, though this depends largely on the school that students choose to attend. Students will need to complete all of their major courses and earn a minimum grade of a C. Some schools may also require students to maintain a 2.75 GPA or higher in their coursework. Earning this degree can prepare students for a few different careers including elementary teacher, fitness instructor, athletic director, secondary teacher, or athletic coach.

Which Schools in the State of Illinois Offer Bachelor's Degree Programs in Teaching PE?

A few of the schools in the state of Illinois that offer bachelor's degree programs in teaching physical education include:

• Illinois State University
• Northeastern Illinois University
• Concordia University - Chicago
• Northern Illinois University

What Should I Know About Master's Degree Programs for PE Teachers in Illinois?

A master's degree program in physical education is typically only for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in physical education, but can be useful for teachers wanting to further their careers. Those looking to get their initial teacher licensure should not pursue this type of degree. Students in a PE master's degree program may have the option to complete their classes completely online, depending on the school that they attend. This program usually requires between 30 to 36 semester hours of work. Students will typically need to complete either a thesis or a capstone prior to gradation.

Which Schools in Illinois Offer Master's Degree Programs in Teaching PE?

Students who already have a bachelor's degree in physical education may want to pursue a master's degree in the subject. Some of the schools in Illinois that offer this program are:

• Illinois State University
• Southern Illinois University
• Northern Illinois University
• Chicago State University

What Are Some Common Admission Requirements for PE Bachelor's and Master's Degree Programs?

Students who are looking to enter into a bachelor's degree program in physical education should have a minimum high school GPA of a 2.0. Applicants wishing to gain admission into this program will also need to submit official copies of their transcripts and copies of either their ACT or SAT scores. Those hoping to get into a master's program in PE will need to submit copies of their undergraduate transcripts and already hold a teaching license in the state of Illinois. Some schools may also require applicants to hold a 2.75 GPA in undergraduate coursework. Both bachelor's and master's degree programs typically require students to pay a fee at the time of application.